Herm was missing. The crowd of faculty, staff, students, and alumni at Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally called out his name. They searched high and low. But he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the gymnasium. Moments later, everyone鈥檚 favorite friendly blue lion glided onto the hardwood on a sleek new e-bike.

The e-bike, announced Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), Lov黑料正能量 organizer and pep rally emcee, was a new addition to the Sadie Hartzler Library, thanks to a generous donation from an 黑料正能量 alum, the diligent work of senior Joshua Stucky, and a partnership between library staff and the Shenandoah Bicycle Company.听

Starting Monday, students can check out the bike from the library at any time and 鈥渆asily bike all over campus and Harrisonburg,鈥� she said.

Herm鈥檚 dramatic entrance was just one of many memorable moments that energized the crowd with the Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day spirit. Wednesday鈥檚 pep rally had it all: a current student exclaiming her love for 黑料正能量, a future student officially declaring 黑料正能量 as his school for next year, and performances by the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle champions. 

鈥淚t’s sure to be the best Lip-Sync Battle this side of the Shenandoah,鈥� promised fellow pep rally organizer and emcee Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article to watch a video recording of the pep rally.

Students snagged free Lov黑料正能量 shirts shot into the crowd by the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

Throughout the event, engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and engineering student Max Fritts fired shirts into the stands using the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon. The launcher, which debuted at last year鈥檚 pep rally, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben, an engineering graduate, and Kayla Zook.

Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate all the incredible things about 黑料正能量, which include 鈥渙ur amazing academic programs, our incredible athletic teams, our impactful clubs and orgs, and our supportive community as a whole,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淧art of how we can express that celebration is through generosity.鈥�

Funds from Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day benefit current and future students, faculty, and staff by making education more affordable and providing them with the facilities and resources they need to access an outstanding education. Since the first Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day in 2017, the university has raised more than $2 million on annual giving days. 

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year鈥檚 Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day was the best one yet, with over $402,000 raised, according to the .

The pep rally began with the premiere of the official Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day video. It celebrates the past nine giving days and sets sights on the future, featuring voiceovers from Litwiller and Marketing and Communications Project Manager Aric Berg, along with cameos from faculty, staff, students, athletes, and alumni. The video was produced by Macson McGuigan 鈥�17.

Watch the official hype video below!

Sophomore Ari Smart speaks about finding her fit at 黑料正能量 (left) and future student Brady Crisp (right) rings the cowbell.

Ari Smart, a sophomore majoring in art education, shared her experiences at 黑料正能量. The Stafford, Virginia, native, who serves as a Royal Ambassador and plays on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, spoke about finding her place in a community that made her feel seen, supported, and valued. 鈥淭his is a place that pushes me to grow,鈥� she said. 

Through classes that challenge her to think differently, clubs that let her explore new interests, and experiences that prepare her for the future, she has gained confidence, independence, and the ability to take initiative.

鈥淭his university has given me more than an education; it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that feels like family, and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.鈥�

The pep rally crowd also welcomed a future Royal to the 黑料正能量 family. Brady Crisp, a senior from Fluvanna County High School who will join the men鈥檚 soccer team this fall, took part in the cherished tradition of ringing the cowbell to celebrate his commitment. 

Each time a prospective student who was in attendance on Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit鈥攁s Crisp did鈥攅ither on the day or beforehand, the university unlocked an additional $1,000 in scholarship funds. The Future Royal Challenge, funded by two graduates from the Class of 1958, raised $19,000 in scholarships on Wednesday.

The women鈥檚 volleyball (left) and lacrosse teams (right) perform lip-sync routines at the Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally on Wednesday.

The third annual Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally showcased performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 annual Lip-Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The women鈥檚 basketball and lacrosse teams competed for second place, with the basketball team prevailing after a crowd vote. The women鈥檚 volleyball team, this year鈥檚 champions, combined lip-syncing with a carefully choreographed routine to a medley of songs from High School Musical.

Senior Admissions Counselor Lexi Fotis-Brown MA 鈥�25 (organizational leadership) led this portion of the pep rally, hyping up the teams and the crowd. 鈥淎bsolutely electric,鈥� she told the teams. 鈥淛ust remember, you’re all winners in my heart.鈥�

Earlier in the event, emcees Litwiller and Goss exchanged some lighthearted banter. 

Goss said, 鈥淲ait, so you鈥檙e telling me we do all this to make the student experience at 黑料正能量 the best it can be? What are you going to tell me next? That the generosity of donors helps fund student scholarships, improve campus facilities, and even keeps the lights on?鈥�

鈥淚 mean, yeah, you said it,鈥� Litwiller replied.

Watch a recording of the pep rally below!

黑料正能量’s final ODAC Hall of Famer, Lehman had a standout volleyball career for the Royals. She was an AVCA South Regional All-American in 1986. She was a three-time ODAC Player of the Year (1984, 1985, and 1986) and was a four-time All-ODAC First Team honoree.

While at 黑料正能量, her teams won four straight ODAC Championships from 1983-86. At the time of her graduation, she was 黑料正能量’s all-time leader in career service aces with 203, and set the single-season service aces record with 108. After her graduation in 1987, she became the first woman to have her jersey retired. She was also inducted into the 黑料正能量 Hall of Honor immediately following her graduation, as a part of the class of 1987.

After leaving 黑料正能量, Lehman had a strong career on the sidelines as a women鈥檚 volleyball coach at the Division I and Division III levels. At DI Campbell University, she patrolled the sidelines from 1994-97. In her four seasons, she coached the Camels to 69 wins, and is second all-time in career coaching wins at the school.

Lehman then earned her doctoral degree in exercise science from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and returned to coaching at DIII Goshen College. She was the head coach of the Maple Leafs women鈥檚 volleyball team from 2004 to 2008. She is also a professor and department chair of kinesiology at Goshen.

Lehman, along with 黑料正能量’s three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men’s basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听

A pioneering coach, co-athletic director, and professor at 黑料正能量 in the 1960s and 鈥�70s鈥攁nd the youngest daughter of John R. Mumaw, 黑料正能量鈥檚 fourth president from 1948-65鈥�Miriam 鈥淢im鈥� Mumaw 鈥�61, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on Dec. 5, 2025.

During her tenure at 黑料正能量 (then known as Eastern Mennonite College or EMC), Mumaw coached the school鈥檚 first women鈥檚 basketball (1966-75), women鈥檚 volleyball (1968-79), and field hockey (1970) teams. She achieved the most success with the volleyball team, winning a state championship over James Madison University in 1973 and posting a perfect 21-0 season in 1976. Her overall record with the squad stands at 151-99. Mumaw was inducted into the in 2002. Only three other coaches share that distinction.

Those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Mumaw, either on 黑料正能量鈥檚 campus or at Washington Community Fellowship (WCF), describe her as a people person who greeted everyone she met with warmth. They speak highly of her meticulous attention to detail, which shone brightly in her volunteer service to WCF and in her career at Gammon & Grange Law Offices, where she worked for more than 40 years. They also remember her for her love of baseball, particularly the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, and her generosity in sharing her season tickets with others.

Mumaw was a beloved mentor, leader, and friend, known by many for her deep commitment to 黑料正能量 and her congregation.

鈥淪he was a titan, a fierce advocate for women in athletics and for 黑料正能量 in general,鈥� said Carrie S Bert, the first woman to serve as 黑料正能量 athletics director.

Dave King 鈥�76, 黑料正能量鈥檚 athletics director for 17 years before Bert, agreed. 

鈥淢im advocated for the expansion of women鈥檚 sports at a time when that wasn鈥檛 supported by many in the institution, including her father who had been president of the college,鈥� said King. 

During one of her visits to the 黑料正能量 Athletics Suite, Bert recalled, Mumaw had shared with her how her father, likely reflecting the feelings of the wider church, had opposed the growth in women鈥檚 physical activities at 黑料正能量. 鈥淢im just laughed and said, 鈥榃ell, that wasn鈥檛 going to stop me 鈥� we just had to agree not to talk about it,鈥欌�� shared Bert. 

鈥淢im was always so encouraging of me, both in words of affirmation and in the wonderful way she would squeeze my hand while we chatted,鈥� Bert said. 鈥淚 could feel her positivity and enduring support in those moments.鈥�

King told the that he first met Mumaw when he arrived as a student in 1972, but 鈥渉ad no idea of the trailblazer she was and the impact she had on women鈥檚 sports鈥� until he returned as director of athletics in 2005. 鈥淏esides coaching women鈥檚 sports and teaching PE classes, her involvement with the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) exposed EMC athletics to the broader collegiate athletic community and elevated the EMC sports programs,鈥� King said.

Growing up in a glass bowl

Mumaw was born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Harrisonburg, the youngest of five daughters, to John R. and Esther Mosemann Mumaw. She was 10 years old when her father, a professor and ordained minister, took office as president, succeeding John L. Stauffer. He would serve in that role for the next 17 years.

鈥淭hat was an important part of her growing up,鈥� said Byron Peachey, a nephew of Mumaw and longtime 黑料正能量 staff member. 鈥淪he lived down the road on College Avenue and EMC was an even smaller community than it is now. Everybody knew everybody else鈥檚 business. And so for her and her four older sisters, there was a spotlight on them and a set of higher expectations for what they did and how they conducted themselves.鈥�

Mumaw graduated from 黑料正能量 in 1961 with a degree in business education. She then taught business education classes at Iowa Mennonite School for four years.

鈥淭hat would鈥檝e been an opportunity for her to spread her wings, outside of this glass bowl at 黑料正能量 where everybody knew her,鈥� Peachey said.

In 1964, while Mumaw was in Iowa, her mother died 鈥渧ery suddenly,鈥� Peachey said. She returned to Harrisonburg to care for her father (in 1965, he married Evelyn King, former dean of women for 黑料正能量, and resigned as president).

Hired by 黑料正能量鈥檚 fifth president (1965-80) Myron S. Augsburger, Mumaw coached the school鈥檚 first women鈥檚 intercollegiate athletic teams, including women鈥檚 basketball, volleyball, and field hockey. 

鈥淭hat was groundbreaking for EMC,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淪he was a real innovator. 鈥楾railblazer鈥� is an overused word, but she truly was one.鈥�

In 1968, after completing her master鈥檚 degree at the University of Iowa, Mumaw began teaching accounting and physical education courses at 黑料正能量. She also served as co-athletic director and co-chair of the physical education department.

Sandy Brownscombe, coach of 黑料正能量 women鈥檚 basketball (1978-89), field hockey (1978-93), and men鈥檚 volleyball (1991-98) also in the Hall of Honor, said that Mumaw held significant roles at the state, regional, and national levels within the AIAW, which governed women鈥檚 college athletics before the NCAA took over in the 1980s.

鈥淢im was a foundational figure for women鈥檚 athletics in Virginia through the AIAW,鈥� Brownscombe said. 鈥淪he started volleyball in the state of Virginia.鈥�

A life of balance

Brownscombe was finishing her master鈥檚 degree coursework at Washington State University in 1978 when she was hired to teach physical education classes and coach the field hockey and women鈥檚 basketball teams at 黑料正能量. Mumaw interviewed her for the job, and was tasked with finding a place for her to live.

鈥淭here weren鈥檛 any apartments available,鈥� said Brownscombe, 鈥渁nd so that鈥檚 how I ended up sharing her house with her that first year I was here.鈥�

鈥淭hat was, in my opinion, probably the best thing that ever happened to me,鈥� she added, 鈥渂ecause we spent many nights talking with each other, and she would explain to me what it meant to be a Mennonite female athlete. At that point, I was the first non-Mennonite full-time faculty member at 黑料正能量, so it really was my introduction to Mennonites and to EMC, and she shared that whole faith experience with me. She was like a big sister to me.鈥�

Less than a full year later, in 1979, Mumaw left for a sabbatical year in D.C. at The Fellowship Foundation. It led to her permanent move to the area.

鈥淪he felt like she had taken 黑料正能量 athletics to the next stage,鈥� Brownscombe said.

鈥満诹险芰� women鈥檚 sports experienced much success in the 1980s, which I believe was a direct result of Mim鈥檚 commitment to developing and expanding sports activities for women,鈥� said King.

Mumaw was a founding member of , a Christ-centered faith community started by President Emeritus Augsburger (its first pastor) and his wife, Esther, in 1981 and affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. Mumaw was an active member of WCF for 43 years and served in many roles, including as presiding deacon, elder, and on the Finance, Human Resources, and Building committees.

鈥淎ny time students from WCF were attending 黑料正能量, Mim always made sure I knew about it,鈥� said Tim Swartzendruber, senior regional advancement director for 黑料正能量. 鈥淪he was an admissions ambassador for us, no question.鈥�

In 1982, Mumaw began a long career at Gammon & Grange Law Offices in Tyson鈥檚 Corner, where she served as accountant, office manager, and assistant to senior partner. She worked at the firm for more than 40 years.

She often returned to 黑料正能量 and continued to love and support the university. She served on the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees from 1988-96.

鈥淲hen I think of Mim, I think of balance,鈥� Brownscombe said. 鈥淗er whole life was balanced. She was great as a coach, administrator, teacher, and yet she was so involved in the church, in leadership there, and in her care for people. She was one of those well-rounded people who had it all together.鈥�

鈥淪he was always positive, always optimistic,鈥� shared Peachey. 鈥淪he wanted sports to be fun for young women and for it to be a team experience. I think that was an important value she cultivated, that student-athletes experience team success rather than individual excellence.鈥�

Clockwise from front center: Miriam 鈥淢im鈥� Mumaw 鈥�61, Liz Chase Driver ’86, David Driver 鈥�85, former Orioles player Larry Sheets 鈥�83, and Stephanie Rheinheimer 鈥�13 attend an Orioles baseball game in August 2022. Sheets told writer David Driver for the Augusta Free Press: 鈥淢im was, first and foremost, a wonderful Christian woman, a huge fan of 黑料正能量, and a huge supporter of my career and then my son鈥檚 (Gavin Sheets鈥�) career.” (Photo courtesy of David Driver/AFP)

A connector of people

A devoted fan of the Orioles and Nationals, Mumaw was known to invite family, friends, and anyone else within her orbit to baseball games. While there, she recorded the action with a pencil and paper scorecard. 鈥淚t was in her DNA to keep track of details,鈥� Peachey said.

As a student, David Driver 鈥�85, former Weather Vane sports editor, narrowly missed the window when Mumaw was on campus. But he and his family became acquainted with her as longtime members of WCF beginning in the late 1980s.

鈥淪he was never one to talk about the role she played as a pioneer for women鈥檚 athletics at 黑料正能量, but her love of sports was contagious,鈥� said Driver. 鈥淚鈥檓 happy to say she made WCF a church with a lot of baseball fans.鈥�

鈥淚 know that Carrie Bert benefited greatly from having Mim as a mentor,鈥� Driver added. 鈥淲ithout Mim, there may not have been a Carrie as the first woman to serve as 黑料正能量 athletics director.鈥�

Long after leaving 黑料正能量, Mumaw continued to invest in its mission and its students. According to Swartzendruber, Mumaw included 黑料正能量 in her estate plans, directing support to two funds established by her parents: the Esther Mosemann Mumaw Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which benefits upperclasswomen of any major, and the John R. Mumaw Endowed Scholarship, which benefits teacher education students.

In 2018, Mumaw coordinated a fundraising effort among past and present members of WCF to increase the ongoing student impact of the Myron S. and Esther K. Augsburger Endowed Scholarship for Urban Ministry. The scholarship, valued at more than $400,000, benefits students at Eastern Mennonite Seminary who plan to serve in an urban setting. 

鈥淢im tried her hardest to attend every alumni gathering, homecoming, you name it,鈥� Swartzendruber said. 鈥淪he adored 黑料正能量. I always got the impression that 黑料正能量 felt like home to her.鈥�

In addition to her parents, Mumaw was preceded in death by her four sisters: Helen Peachey, Grace Mumaw, Catherine Mumaw, and Lois Martin. She is survived by six nieces and nephews, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. 

鈥淪he was a single woman, never had children, never married, and so she created a community around her,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淪he knew lots of people in lots of different walks of life. When she went to baseball games, people noticed how all the attendants knew her. She knew them all by name. She was always looking for ways to connect people together.鈥�

Thanks to Simone Horst, special collections librarian, for providing the archival images of Mumaw included in this story.

鈥淢y faith is extremely important to me and was the biggest deciding factor in choosing a college,鈥� said Fitton, a member of Divine Unity Community Church in Harrisonburg. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to go to a big party school, but instead wanted to grow in my faith and use my testimony to inspire others.鈥�

Fitton, who enjoys leading Bible studies, praying over people, and bringing others to Christ, said she鈥檚 excited to become a part of 黑料正能量 campus ministries this fall. 鈥満诹险芰� offers campus worship, Bible studies, and more opportunities that you can鈥檛 find on other campuses,鈥� she said. 鈥淢any players on the volleyball team also openly express their passion for Christ, which is important to me.鈥�

The volleyball star was named Region 1B Player of the Year and received honors as a first team selection at the All-District, All-Region, and All-State levels this past season. She will play for the Royals this fall and said Coach Casey Steinbrecher was another major reason for her choosing 黑料正能量. 

鈥淚 remember one of my first conversations with him, he just wanted to get to know me outside of volleyball,鈥� Fitton said. 鈥淥ther coaches wanted to know my interests and that kind of thing, but Casey stuck out to me by wanting to get to know what my family was like, my background, and more before getting to know me as a player.鈥�

When she鈥檚 not on the court, she plans to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management. She said she will graduate high school with a cosmetology license and plans to earn her esthetician license either during or after college. Eventually, she said, she hopes to own and manage her own spa. 

A 鈥榣ife-changing鈥� opportunity

Fitton said her decision to attend 黑料正能量 鈥渇elt right.鈥� When she visited the campus early last year, she was struck by everyone鈥檚 friendliness toward her. 鈥淓veryone I walked past asked me how I was, without even knowing me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he atmosphere on campus is refreshing. It鈥檚 quiet and peaceful while also being welcoming.鈥�

She said she looks forward to forming close connections with classmates and professors and taking advantage of 黑料正能量鈥檚 distinctive intercultural program. 鈥淚 love to travel and expand my understanding of the world,鈥� Fitton said. 鈥淚 believe an experience to study abroad is life-changing and opens doors for opportunity. When I visited, I knew 黑料正能量 was a place I could see myself for the next four years.鈥�

Read more about Reese
: Fitton named Region 1B Player of the Year and headed to 黑料正能量
: Luray’s Reese Fitton used faith, love to lead team during special season

As a Royal, Troyer was a three-time All-ODAC First Team honoree and a two-time all-Region middle hitter. During her sophomore year, 黑料正能量 women鈥檚 volleyball won the ODAC championship, defeating Bridgewater in a thrilling five-set championship match. At the time of her graduation in 1993, Troyer held 黑料正能量 career records for kills (969) and blocks (347) and now sits third all-time on both of those lists. As an 黑料正能量 basketball forward, Troyer graduated fourth all-time in career rebounds with 648. She played first base on the 1990 softball team that won the ODAC championship, is fourth all-time in the Royals鈥� record book for stolen bases in a season (1990) with 24, and earned a spot on the All-ODAC Second Team in 1992.

Troyer said she 鈥渉ad a great experience playing sports鈥� at 黑料正能量 with teammates that were her closest friends and a coaching staff that was 鈥渟o supportive.鈥� Troyer retired in June 2023 after teaching special education for 30 years at Turner Ashby High School (Bridgewater) where she coached girls鈥� varsity volleyball for 24 years and junior varsity softball for four years. 

黑料正能量鈥檚 fall athletes ended their seasons with more than 20 individual honors.

黑料正能量鈥檚 field hockey team finished 10-7 overall, notching its best overall record since 2011.

• Defender Brandy Troutman (senior, Recreation and Sports Management, Mountville, Pa./Hempfield) earned her fourth consecutive Second Team All-ODAC honor and ended her 黑料正能量 career with an appearance in the NFHCA 2022 Victory Sports Tours/Division III Senior Game. She ranked in the top-four in all three major offensive categories, finishing third in total points (41) and assists (11) and fourth in goals with 15. Those numbers were all career-highs for the fifth-year senior, who played a larger role in the Royals offense this year.
• Attacker Elizabeth Longacre (junior, accounting and business administration, Quakertown, Pa./Dock Mennonite Academy) was Third Team All-ODAC.

Six soccer athletes earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors:

• Ariel Bonilla (junior, history and political science, Richmond, Va./Huguenot)
• Aja Laun, (sophomore, nursing, San Antonio, Tx./Claudia Taylor Johnson)
• Ashley Catalano, (sophomore, nursing, Stephens City, Va./Sherando)
• Abigail Forrest, (sophomore, pre-med, Winchester, Va./Millbrook)
• Kaden Schrock (sophomore, biology, Dalton, Ohio/Central Christian
• Mesa Dula (junior, accounting and business administration, Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite).

Women鈥檚 volleyball advanced to the ODAC quarterfinals, falling to eventual runner-up Averett. 

• Captain Lizzy Kirkton (junior, business administration and organizational leadership, Goshen, Ind./Goshen) and Megan Miller (junior, biology, Millersburg, Ohio/Central Christian) earned CSC Academic All-District honors. 
• Paris Hutchinson (junior, recreation and sport management, Waynesboro, Va./Wilson Memorial) earned her third straight all conference honor, this time to the All-ODAC Third-Team.

Both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross country teams finished fifth in the ODAC.  

• Bellamy Immanuel (sophomore,  mechanical engineering, Allentown, Pa./William Allen) ended with an NCAA South/Southeast All Region performance. He was also named ODAC Runner of the Week Oct. 11.
• Clay Kauffman (senior, environmental science, Broadway, Va./Broadway) earned ODAC Runner of the Week recognition Sept. 27.
• Lucy Unzicker (junior, Spanish, Benson, Ill./Roanoke-Benson) was ODAC Runner of the Week Oct. 11. 
• Vanessa Gardiner (junior, environmental science, Springfield, Va./John R. Lewis) nabbed Second Team All-ODAC honors.

The women鈥檚 triathlon team finished fifth at the 2022 National Championships.

•  Jenna Weaver (sophomore, nursing, Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite) earned 11th place at nationals; third place at the national qualifier meet, and College Triathlon Coaches Association (CTCA) Second Team All-American honors.
• Vanessa Gardiner was 13th place at the national meet, fourth place at the national qualifier meet, and CTCA Second Team All-American honors.
• Jessica Buckwalter, a graduate student in the MA in Counseling program, was 16th at the national championships, sixth place at the national qualifier, and a CTCA Honorable Mention All-American.

Photos by Scott Eyre/黑料正能量.

• Allison Shelly and Isaac Alderfer were recognized as Male and Female President’s Award honorees. The President’s Award is given to the male and female who has most exemplified the values of the athletic department during their career through academic achievement, athletic contribution, Christian commitment, leadership, campus involvement and service.
• Paris Hutchinson and Alijah Johnson were named Athletes of the Year, for most outstanding athletic achievement in current academic year.
• Bri Redfearn and Damon Morgan were named Freshman of the Year, for most outstanding athletic achievement.

Read more about each athlete below.

PRESIDENTS AWARD: Allison Shelly – Triathlon, Cross-Country and Track & Field

Shelly was awarded the 2021-22 President’s Award by 黑料正能量 President Susan Schultz Huxman. Shelly is a political science major with minors in history, journalism, community organization and development as well as honors with a 4.0 GPA from Collinsville, Miss. In her time at 黑料正能量, she has been an integral part of three different athletic teams as well as an SGA Senator and Co-President, a contributor for the Weather Vane, Senior Class Business Manager, Convocation Committee, CODI, Academic Council, Conversation Partner in IEP, Community Advisor, Young Democrats Club and part of the Harrisonburg Living Wage Campaign.

After her graduation, her future plans include a service year in the Serving and Learning Together program of Mennonite Central Committee in Palestine.

For her nomination, she also had to submit a reflection on her time at 黑料正能量, to which she replied, “Simply put, there is no way I would have had the confidence and balance I’ve felt in academic or co-curriculars in the past four years without my experience with track & field, XC and triathlon. I wasn’t plannin on running until two weeks before coming to 黑料正能量. The decison to try to get in shape has allowed me to form friendships that will continue far past college, allowed me to learn to stay strong underpressure and given me opportunities to learn from a multitude of teammates and supporters within 黑料正能量 athletics staff, whom I really admire.” 

On winning the award, Shelly said, “Who would I be without my teammates, my coaches, and the experiences I’ve had because of athletics? I am so grateful to have this award as a reminder of all that 黑料正能量 athletics has been for me.”

PRESIDENTS AWARD: Isaac Alderfer – Cross-Country and Track & Field

Alderfer was awarded the 2021-22 President’s Award by 黑料正能量 President Susan Schultz Huxman. He is an enviromental science major with minors in photography and honors from Broadway, VA who has maintained a 3.97 GPA. While at 黑料正能量, he has re-written the record books in both cross-country and track & field. On the 黑料正能量 campus, he has been involved as a leader in the 黑料正能量 Explore and Earthkeepers Club, a barista at Common Grounds, a Community Advisor, a Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions student ambassador, a member of the Honors Council and Creation Care Council, part of the Intercultural Committee, a biology tutor, a contributor to the Weather Vane and has done biology research. 

After graduation, his future plans include a service year in the Serving and Learning Together program of Mennonite Central Committee in Cambodia.

For his nomination, he also had to submit a reflection on his time at 黑料正能量, to which he replied, “Being part of an athletic team at 黑料正能量 has helped me to develop skills directly associated with my athletic performance, in addition to skills such as time management, conflict mediation, communication and leadership. The relationships I have build over the past four years with teammates, coaches and other athletics staff are so valuable to me and I feel confident will result in lifelong friends and mentors. While it certainly has not always been easy to balance athletics with school work and a social life, it has, in so many ways, been rewarding and worth the sacrifices involved.” 

On winning the President’s Award, Alderfer said, “It’s an honor to receive an award that acknowledges the sacrifices and commitment from the many perspectives involved in being a student-athlete.  Big hugs to all my 黑料正能量 comrades.”

Athlete of the Year: Paris Hutchinson, Volleyball

Hutchinson, a sophomore from Waynesboro, Va., was named the 黑料正能量 Female Athlete of the Year after a season that saw her have one of the best seasons in 黑料正能量 women’s volleyball history. She was named First-Team All-ODAC and Second-Team VaSID All-State. For her performance in 黑料正能量’s pair of wins over Roanoke and Lynchburg, she was named the ODAC Player of the Week. By the end of the season, she was second in the ODAC and 24th nationally with 4.00 K/S and sixth in the ODAC in total kills with 284. She also led the squad in points/set at 4.61, which was also tops in the ODAC and 22nd nationally.  

Hutchinson helped 黑料正能量 to a record-setting season as the Royals finished with seven ODAC wins, their most conference wins in two decades.

“Receiving the ‘Female Athlete of the Year’ award is such a special honor,” Hutchinson said. “The group of finalists were all so deserving! As a sophomore, I still have much to learn and improve on. But I’m lucky to be a student-athlete at 黑料正能量. I am truly humbled by the faith that those around me, have within me. I would not have accomplished this without my amazing teammates, coaches, trainers, and all who have been by my side. Thank you for continuing to motivate me to be the best I can be each day.”

Male Athlete of the Year: Alijah Johnson, Track & Field

Much like Hutchinson, Johnson has one of the best years in 黑料正能量 track & field history. The senior from Upper Marlboro, MD, qualified for 2022 NCAA Indoor National Track & Field Championships in the 200m. He was named USTFCCCA All-Region for the 60m and 200m. Durin the indoor season, he was named the ODAC Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week. For his performance at the ODAC Championships, he was named Second-Team All-ODAC in the 200m and Third-Team All ODAC in the 60m. His name is currently etched in the record books as he set the 黑料正能量 record in the 200m and 60m. His successful season earned him First-Team VaSID in sprints. 

He has followed that up with a stellar outdoor season, setting the ODAC and 黑料正能量 record in 200m at the Dennis Craddock Coaches Classic. He currently has the eighth fastest time in the nation in the 100m and the second fastest time in the nation in the 200m. This past weekend at the ODAC Championships, he picked up second place in the 100m and was the ODAC Champion in the 200m. If his current times hold, he will be making his second straight trip to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships at the end of May. 

“I was very happy when I heard my name called for the Athlete of the Year,” Johnson said. “I felt like my journey as a student athlete had come full circle since I had won Freshman Athlete of the Year as well. All of the hard work, ups and downs of being a student-athlete is paying off and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

Freshman of the Year: Brii Redfearn, Basketball

Redfearn burst onto the scene in her first collegiate game against Apprentice. The Fairfax native dropped 19 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds in the Royals 76-44 win. For that performance, she was named the ODAC WBB Player of the Week. She continued her strong season, finishing second on the team with 11.5 PPG and leading the Royals with 8.7 RPG, which was second in the ODAC and led all freshman.She was the only player in the ODAC with a 20 rebound game, and she actually did it twice, grabbing 20 against Wilson College and 22 against Bridgewater. She finished the season with seven double doubles. Along with her basketball success, she is also a member of the 黑料正能量 outdoor track & field team. At the Dennis Craddock Coaches Classic, Redfearn was part of the 4×100 relay team that set the 黑料正能量 record. 

“I am more than blessed with the award of Freshman Of The Year,” Redfearn said. “I’ve certainly had periods when I felt like life was winning and I was losing. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates or my coaches setting me up for success and always pushing me to be the best athlete I can be. I will always appreciate them and give them the credit they deserve. When I felt like I was failing them, they let me know that it’s all in my head, ‘it’s a mental thing’ but the secret to the game is learning how to lose. This is just the beginning of my journey as a collegiate athlete. – 23”

Freshman of the Year – Damon Morgan, Track & Field

Morgan started his success during 黑料正能量’s indoor track & field season. During the year, he had two top-five finishes during the season. He was part of the 4×400 relay team that finished fifth at the ODAC Championships. He raced to the 黑料正能量 indoor record books, sitting top-10 all-time at 黑料正能量 in 60m and top-five all-time at 黑料正能量 in the 200m. He picked right back up where he left off in his first outdoor season, setting a PR in the 100m and 200m at the Washington and Lee Track Carnival. He continued to add his name to the record books, adding his name to the top-10 in both the 100m and 200m. He finished his outdoor season with a third place finish as part of the 4×100 relay team at the ODAC Outdoor Championships. 

“It’s an honor to have won Male Freshman of the Year, I’m just glad that my name was in the conversation,” Morgan said. “I was only able to walk this path because of Alijah Johnson. He has been a great mentor academically as well as athletically. He has left some big shoes for me to fill but I will NOT let him down.”

黑料正能量 defeated Roanoke and Lynchburg , beating those teams for the first time in two decades. 

[黑料正能量 also beat Hollins 3-0 on Wednesday, 9/29, to go 4-0 in ODAC play. Their next match is at home, Tuesday, 10/5, against CNU at 6 p.m.]

Against Roanoke, Hutchinson had a blistering kill percentage of .483, tallying 17 kills with just three errors. She also added eight digs and two blocks. Against Lynchburg, she had a double-double, finishing with 13 kills and 16 digs. She also added three assisted blocks and a pair of aces. On the season, she leads the Royals with 151 kills and currently sits second in the ODAC with 4.08 kills/set. She also ranks fifth in the conference in total kills despite playing fewer matches than the other players in the top-four.

With the two big wins over Roanoke and Lynchburg, how were you and the team feeling afterwards? 

Going into the games last weekend, we knew that we needed to compete and play to the best of our potential. Together, we accomplished that. Winning both was such a huge success. We were all so proud and extremely happy.  

You and the team bounced back from two tough losses to get the sweep at Lynchburg, what was the mentality of the team heading into the tri-match? 

Our mentality heading into the tri-match was that we knew it would be a challenge and we had to expect the unexpected. We also had to be aware of what players were playing across the net. We went in wanting to win. We aim to play every game like it’s our last and walk off the court being able to say we left it all out there.  

This is the first time since 2001 that your team has started 3-0 in conference play. What has been working and what will you and the team keep working on? 

We have worked so hard and pushed ourselves each and every day for the outstanding outcomes we are showing out on the court. We have been very intentional and disciplined with our play. Going after it puching ourselves a little harder outside of what we’re comfortable doing and executing has been what has really worked well for us. We will continue to work regardless of what it may be. Something that we continue to work on is our communication and encouragement between one another. 

This is the first full season under Coach Steinbrecher, what has been working with how he runs the ship? 

is a phenomenal coach. He comes to practice everyday with a plan and knows exactly how he wants to run things. Our practices are very fundamental based. We work really hard to focus on change and bettering ourselves and not worrying about being perfect. He pushes each and every one of us to the best of our potential. 

With the bulk of ODAC play still ahead, what goals are you setting for yourself and the team? 

A few goals we want to achieve are continuing to build close knit relationships with one another on and off the court. We want to have a winning season, finish top-five in the ODAC. And we want to get stronger mentally, physically and all-around improve our game. 

Lastly, tell us your major and what it means to be a Royals student-athlete. 

I am majoring in elementary education. To be a Royals athlete is such a privilege. Some people don’t get the chance to be an athlete in college and it’s definitely something I’m very thankful for. I couldn’t do it without my outstanding coaches and amazing teammates. The support here from professors, coaches, students, families and friends is something that continues to grow and that I appreciate so much. 

Crawford picks up the reins from Chad Seibert, who coached the past three seasons. Crawford was assistant coach with Seibert for each of those seasons.

Crawford is well known in the area having been a standout basketball and football player at Robert E. Lee High School. After playing basketball for two years at Potomac State in West Virginia and Central Florida Community College, he landed at 黑料正能量, where he was key to the men鈥檚 basketball team appearance in the Elite Eight NCAA Tournament play and finishing fourth in the final NCAA Division III basketball poll in 2011.

In an interview following that historic run, Crawford talked about his journey to the 黑料正能量 community 鈥� which now extends to the EMHS community 鈥� and reflected on his passion for being a positive role model for kids.

鈥淚 stayed out of trouble as a kid, but that doesn鈥檛 mean I haven鈥檛 had my times of personal adversity,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 can see God鈥檚 work in my life, and I want to extend that knowledge to the next generation and be there for others the way that people have been there for me.鈥�

鈥淐oach Crawford is committed to developing young people not just on the court, but also in life,鈥� says , athletic director. 鈥淗is experience, energy and focus on fundamentals will push athletes to be at the top of their game and be great teammates. I am so excited to see the team come together under his leadership and compete at a high level.鈥�

Hall moves into the head volleyball position after serving as assistant coach for the EMS 2020-21 season, coaching a local area travel team, and taking part in leading volleyball camps with a former coach at Alta Vista High School where she was a standout outside hitter, graduating in 2016.

A third grade teacher at Waterman Elementary, Hall graduated from 黑料正能量 in 2020 with a degree in elementary education. Her college volleyball career saw her compete in 103 matches, and named two seasons to the All-Academic ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) team, as well as a听k in 2019.

With only four seniors returning to the court and no juniors coming out for the team this fall, Hall has been eyeing younger players during open gym times, considering how to build a strong varsity team presence.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to see what we can do,鈥� said Hall. 鈥淚 love the sport. I鈥檝e learned so much over the years from the different coaches I鈥檝e played for. I鈥檓 excited to help create a great experience for each individual and the team as a whole.鈥�

In 2019, she reflected on her play, saying 鈥淚 want my teammates to see God in me when they see me on and off the court,鈥� she explained, 鈥渟o I think that has been another big motivation for me to show people the abilities and gifts that God has blessed me with and using those abilities the best I can鈥︹��

鈥淲e鈥檙e so fortunate to have Meredith commit to our program,鈥� says Andrew Gascho, athletic director. 鈥淟ast year was hard on the program, due to COVID. I have full confidence that Coach Hall will bring the positive attitude and resiliency we need to create an incredible experience for our student athletes.鈥�

This is the first-ever VaSID Rookie of the Year award for an 黑料正能量 volleyball player, and likely the first all-state honor in 20 years.

An opposite hitter, Hutchinson added another dimension to 黑料正能量’s rotation, forming a fantastic 1-2 punch with senior outside hitter  (Staunton, Va./Wilson Memorial). Hutchinson finished third in the ODAC in kills per set (3.55) and points per set (4.1), fourth in total kills (156), and fifth in total points earned (181.5). She also ranked 10th in the league in hitting percentage (.236). Her 108 total digs and 15 service aces were second for the Royals.

Hutchinson registered double figure kills in 9-of-13 matches played with a season-high 19 winners to go with eight digs against Bridgewater on April 1.

Led by Hutchinson and Johnson, along with senior setter  (Elkton, Va./East Rockingham), Eastern Mennonite advanced to the ODAC Tournament for just the second time in 13 seasons where they lost to eventual ODAC champion Washington and Lee.

黑料正能量’s volleyball women had a tall task on Sunday. To earn a spot in the ODAC Tournament, the Royals would need to knock off perennial power Randolph-Macon. On the road.

But Eastern Mennonite was up to the challenge from the opening serve, winning the first two sets and then holding off the Yellow Jackets for a thrilling five-set win. The Royals jumped into the No. 8 seed of this week’s ODAC Tournament with the win, earning their first trip to the conference tourney in three seasons.

The Royals also claimed their first win over Randolph-Macon in the rally-scoring era. They last beat the Yellow Jackets in 1999, a 3-0 sweep in Harrisonburg.

黑料正能量 (4-8/4-7 ODAC) gets a tall task in the postseason as well, heading to No. 1 seed Washington and Lee on Wednesday. The Generals swept the women in their regular season meeting one week ago in Harrisonburg, after winning a marathon first set, 34-32. Game time on Wednesday is 7 p.m.

The semifinals and championship matches will be on Saturday at the highest remaining seed.

Playing in just their second ODAC Tournament since 2007, 黑料正能量 has displayed the potential to make a Cinderella run, playing W&L tight during the regular season while upsetting the conference’s other powerhouse. Randolph-Macon and Washington and Lee have combined to win 18 of the last 19 ODAC Championships. One of the two teams have played in the title match every year since 1994, coincidentally the last time 黑料正能量 won an ODAC Championship.

In Sunday’s contest in Ashland, the Royals simply out-hit Randolph-Macon. They scored the first three points in the opener and then got three kills from  (Waynesboro, Va./Wilson Memorial) during a 5-0 run to open up a 17-11 margin. R-MC snuck back within two points before the women finished it off with three straight points for a 25-19 win. It was the first set 黑料正能量 had taken from Randolph-Macon since the 2013 season.

The Yellow Jackets scored the first four of the second set before 黑料正能量 recovered to a 7-7 tie. The teams traded short bursts from there until the Royals took over with a 5-0 run. Senior  (Staunton, Va./Wilson Memorial) had four kills during the key run. R-MC eventually tied the score, the women kept their momentum and pushed to a 25-20 win.

The teams traded runs in the third before Randolph-Macon seized control. The home team ended on an 8-0, streaking to a 25-14 decision.

That momentum carried into the fourth where the Yellow Jackets scored the first five points and carried to a 10-4 lead. 黑料正能量 would get no closer than three as R-MC forced a fifth set, 25-17.

Fighting the temptation to tighten up, the Royals went back to the basics in the deciding fifth set, starting with a kill from Johnson. Middle hitter  (Moseley, Va./Cosby) got into the attack with a pair of kills, pushing the lead to 6-3. After a point from R-MC, the women took over with a decisive 7-0 run. Johnson landed back-to-back kills to wrap up the streak to open a 13-4 lead. The Yellow Jackets scored twice, but 黑料正能量 had the poise to stay strong to a 15-7 win.

The Royals out-hit R-MC, .181 to .143. As a team, the women hit .435 in the first set and .368 in the fifth.

Johnson had the best all-around effort of her senior season, landing 13 kills to go with 20 digs and two blocks. The kills were one off her season high, and her .423 kills percentage was easily the best of the year.

Hutchinson led all players with 15 kills, and the freshman set career highs with 17 digs, six blocks and three service aces. Phelps landed 11 kills, also a career high, to go with three blocks.

 (Harrisonburg, Va./Broadway) added a huge defensive net presence with six block assists, tying a career high.  (Maplewood, Mo./Maplewood Richmond Heights) picked up 13 digs, while  (Washington, Va./Rappahannock County) had eight kills and ten digs.

Senior  (Elkton, Va./East Rockingham) did a great job running the offense, hoisting 44 set assists.

Sydney Koch had 14 kills and five blocks, while Grace Parker had 13 kills and five blocks.

This spring, 黑料正能量 Athletics has been celebrating alumni-athletes working in the health care professions.

“It has been so exciting to reconnect with former Royals  for this special social media campaign highlighting the outstanding work being done in the health care field,” said Director of Athletics Dave King. “And it has been very rewarding to hear the ways in which athletics prepared and shaped them for their current work.  I hope you are as inspired as I was in reading their responses.”

To view the entire series, visit the .

To join the series, send us a note in the comment box below and we’ll get in touch with you!

Below are a few of the more than 25 alumni-athletes. Scroll down to view a complete list (as of 3/24/2021). Thanks to James DeBoer, director of athletics communication for his work on this project.

Martin Pou ’20, Volleyball

Now: Assistant to the practice manager, Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology

Lesson: Clear and quick communication is crucial both on the court and in the medical field.

Julie Kratz McElwee ’85, BNS ’86, Field Hockey

Now: Emergency department chair, Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery, Christiansburg, Va.

Lesson: The importance of relationships and knowing who is behind you, to give support, when things are not going well.

Tyler Denlinger ’18, Cross Country/ Track & Field

Now: Vaccines process development engineer, Merck Pharmaceutical, Elkton, Va.

Lesson: I have found the lesson of 鈥渆njoy what you do鈥� to hold a lasting effect from my time at 黑料正能量. There are few things in my life I hold more dearly than my experience with the 黑料正能量 track and field squad. I love running and T&F, and that love enabled my teammates and I to collectively accomplish a lot of really difficult tasks…I found that my love of the sport and my desire to achieve goals  were useful in propelling me to accomplish unpleasant tasks such as lifting after a hard workout. This directly applies to my work setting鈥攚hile I do not love every  aspect of my job, my passion for the end goal makes the unpleasant aspects more bearable.

Rachel Sturm ’18, Soccer/Track & Field

Now: Registered nurse, UVA Medical ICU/Special Pathogen ICU, Charlottesville, Va.

Lesson: I learned that I needed to stop worrying about society’s standards of success and focus on what God’s successes were for me. At the time there was so much pressure on my shoulders to be a successful athlete and a successful student. It’s hard to succeed in both, as one usually has to take over the other. In my case I had to choose my career to become a nurse. Yet, I never stopped giving it my all in academics and sports, which created a lot of frustration when I failed in my sport. Now I look back and realize, God gave me the talent to play college sports to introduce me to the people he wanted in my life. To give me the experiences I needed to grow into the woman and leader I am now. To let me learn failure and to strive from it. All these little things are God’s achievements for me.

Brooke Hensley 鈥�14, Softball

Now: Emergency department team coordinator, Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg, Va.

Lesson: The importance of playing together as a team to be successful because you cannot do it all on your own. Throughout my career, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been vital to work as a team in providing patient care in order to promote positive outcomes and save lives.

Laura Rosenberger 鈥�03, Track & Field

Now: Surgeon, associate professor of surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Lesson: 黑料正能量 Athletics taught me how to be resilient during adversity and perseverance. Thankful for dedicated coaches and supportive teammates. Feels so pertinent to life right now in a pandemic!

Jess Rheinheimer Bishop 鈥�16, Basketball

Now: Registered Nurse, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.

Lesson: I learned many lessons from the basketball court but one that sticks out from Coach Griff is that you are the driver to your own success –  no one else can determine how successful you are going to be in life or in sports. You get out what you put in.

Katie Lehman Maust 鈥�09, Soccer

Now: Emergency department RN, Sentara RMH / Paramedic and training lieutenant, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Harrisonburg, Va.

Lesson: As an athlete, I was so thankful to be surrounded by people who were courageous, tenacious, hardworking, and supportive. Being part of a healthcare team has a lot of similarities to being on an athletics team and I aspire to carry those traits of great team members into my roles in the healthcare system.

Thanks to ALL of our Royals athletes working to make this world a safer place!

From left: Brent Yoder ’12, soccer, physical therapist and co-owner of Yoder Physical Therapy and Wellness in Sarasota, Fla.

Emily Augsburger ’18, field hockey, CCU Registered Nurse, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

Jackson Maust ’09, soccer, physical therapist at Augusta Health, working in outpatient therapy and in acute care in the hospital, including with COVID patients; also a captain and life member of Harrisonburg Rescue Squad (Jackson is married to Katie, featured above).

Jamey Groff ’98, volleyball, oncology pharmacist, Hahn Cancer Center, Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg, Va.

Jessica Blanks Jaindl ’13, field hockey, registered nurse at Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg, Va.

From left: Juni Schirch Sauder ’16, cross country/track and field, athletics testing coordinator, 黑料正能量.

Laura Rittenhouse ’20, soccer, registered nurse, cardiac care, UVa Hospital.

Laurie Serrell ’19, cross country/track and field, registered nurse with Spanish interpreters training, Sentara RMH.

Leah Lapp ’20, triathlon, associate chemist, Merck Pharmaceutical, Elkton, Va.; attending Liberty University School of Osteopathic Medicine, fall 2021.

Linda Cimini Boesch ’11, field hockey/track and field, critical care RN, St. Luke’s University Health System, Chalfont, Pa.

Lisa King Burkholder ’08, RN, Sentara RMH and instructor of nursing, 黑料正能量, Harrisonburg, Va.

Mariah Foltz ’17, softball, RN, Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg, Va.

Mariah Martin ’17, field hockey, labor and deliver nurse, Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg, Va.

Nolan Prock ’12, volleyball, veterinarian, Healthy Pets Veterinary Care, Boca Raton, Fla.

R.J. Ocampo ’19, volleyball, EMT with Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Virginia Beach, Va.

Rodney Eshleman ’88, soccer, ICU nurse, Augusta Health, Fishersville, Va.

Sylvia Mast ’19, soccer, ED technician, Sentara RMH and EMT, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Harrisonburg, Va.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that 黑料正能量 women’s volleyball team earned the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2019-20 season.

Track and Field

To earn All-Academic Athlete status, an individual needs to hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 while also finishing in the top 50 in the nation in an event. Alderfer has a 3.96 GPA with a major in environmental science and a photography minor. He was No. 40 nationally in the indoor 800m with a program record time of 1:54.97. 

For a team to be considered for this honor, it must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.10 on a 4.0 scale. Overall, there were 359 teams honored by the USTFCCCA, of which 209 were women’s teams and 150 were men’s teams. 黑料正能量’s men had a team GPA of 3.32, while the women had a GPA of 3.20.

According to the USTFCCCA archives which date back to 1995, this is the first time that the Royals men have received the national award. The 黑料正能量 women last claimed the All-Academic honor in 2018.\

This is the third straight season the Royals have earned the Team Academic Award, this year holding a team GPA of 3.62.

Volleyball

AVCA honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that achieve academic team excellence by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade point average.

黑料正能量 is one of a record 231 schools in NCAA D-III women’s volleyball to win the award with an AVCA total of 1,313 teams earning the achievement, also a new high.

The volleyball women closed the 2019 season with their best record since 2001, finishing at 13-13. Carrie Bert resigned in January after five seasons as head coach. She was replaced by Casey Steinbrecher, a longtime associate coach at D-I James Madison University.

Six 黑料正能量 student-athletes have been named to the Academic-All State Team by the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID). A total of 222 student-athletes representing 37 colleges and universities across the state were recognized.

Those honored from 黑料正能量 were:

 (Broadway, Va./Broadway), So., Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field, Environmental Science, 3.96 GPA. Alderfer earned All-Region honors in track & field finishing fourth in the region in the 800m with his school record time of 1:54.97. He was also Eastern Mennonite’s top cross country runner in the fall.

 (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone), Jr., Women’s Soccer, Secondary English Education, 4.00 GPA. Breidigan is a three-year starter in the Royals’ back line. She has helped Eastern Mennonite to 10 shutouts this past season and 19 over her career.

 (Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite), Sr., Women鈥檚 Cross Country, Writing Studies, 4.00 GPA. Good had a comeback senior season after missing time the previous season. She ran her best 6K time of     24:26.5 at the 2019 ODAC Cross Country Championship.

 (Smithfield, Va./Smithfield), So., Field Hockey/Women鈥檚 Lacrosse, Elementary Education, 4.00 GPA. Hedgepeth played and started in every contest for field hockey and women鈥檚 lacrosse. She led the field hockey team with 10 goals with 3 assists for 23 points. Three of her goals were game-winning. 

 (Collinsville, Miss./West Lauderdale), Sr., Women鈥檚 Triathlon/Cross Country, Education and Liberal Arts, 3.97 GPA. In the first year of 黑料正能量 sponsoring the sport of triathlon, Shelly finished 13th at the National Championship, completing a 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run in 1:19.38. She was also the Royals’ top runner on the cross country team.

 (Broadway, Va./Eastern Mennonite), Sr., Women鈥檚 Soccer, Psychology & Music Performance (Vocal), 3.96 GPA. This year, Wenger was voted as the ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete for women鈥檚 soccer. She had 58 starts in 67 career games, and led the ODAC with 10 shutouts as a senior.

To be eligible for Academic All-State, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade point average, and be a sophomore or higher.

VaSID is comprised of sports information or athletics communications professionals from intercollegiate institutions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Membership is open to any individual affiliated with one of the state鈥檚 institutions at the NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, USCAA, NJCAA, community college and independent levels.